The expanse of Lake Loveland allows for a dramatic view of the plume of smoke rising from the High Park fire area early Sunday evening. Fire growth Sunday was thought to be within containment lines, but additional evacuations were ordered as high winds grounded helicoptor support.
(Special to the Reporter-Herald)

The RCVFD Fire Relief Fund has been established to aid the Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department and its 33 volunteer firefighters and first responders. All funds raised will go to replacing lost wages, assisting firefighters and supporting the all-volunteer fire department.

Volunteers from the Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department were first on the scene at the devastating High Park Fire, which was started by lightning June 9 and as of June 20 had burned nearly 65,000 acres (more than100 square miles) and destroyed 189 homes. These dedicated men and women continued to protect homes throughout their entire 112-square mile response area, many working around the clock. Five RCVFD firefighters to date have lost their own homes, but refused to come off the lines and kept on working to save others.

Funds raised will help replace lost wages for first responders who have taken many days off work, and help replace equipment and supplies for the Rist Canyon all-volunteer Fire Department, one of two fire departments in Colorado that receives no mandated tax support.

Five RCVFD firefighters lost their homes. One fire station burned to the ground. Volunteer firefighters receive no wages and must take time off from work. Everyone living in the 112-square miles protected by RCVFD has been evacuated. Hundreds of homes were saved; a total of 189 homes have been lost to date, and numbers are expected to go higher.